A 'shambolic' Winter Wonderland in Staffordshire has been forced to close after it attracted a flood of complaints.

The attraction - which featured a skating rink, Santa’s grotto and fair in Lichfield - has been plagued by refund demands after disgruntled visitors said it did not deliver what was advertised.

An announcement appeared on the website that the business behind it had closed and insolvency practitioners had been appointed, Birmingham Live reports.

Thousands of pounds worth of tickets for a variety of events on the Beacon Park site had been sold - but many customers said it fell well short.

It is claimed the ice rink was 'a health and safety risk', there were issues with heating and power to the site, the event was 'badly organised', suppliers have not been paid and requests for information regarding refunds had not been answered.

The event was expected to run until January 4.

The Winter Wonderland site yesterday (Image: Ian Newey)

It had been organised by Nicola Clark and Stefan Siekierski, owners of Cathedral Crepes and directors of events company Cafe International in the city.

Heavy rain closed the Winter Wonderland but there have been dozens of complaints since it opened last weekend.

Mark Hicks spent £200 on tickets for a birthday party for his daughter and 13 of her friends at the Winter Wonderland last Saturday.

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A steward said he had not been paid for four days work at the event: ”I stood on the door for 14 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The organisers have denied me my Christmas. But I feel sorry for the public who have booked tickets and the traders who are thousands of pounds down.”

The skating rink (Image: Ian Newey)

It is claimed the organisers visited the site during the night and took their personal items, computers and documentation. Winter Wonderland’s Facebook page has also been taken down.

BirminghamLive was told Santa’s Grotto has now gone and the fair is being dismantled. The traders, meanwhile had to clear the site yesterday.

The organisers have been approached but no statement was received from them in response.

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But the website states: “Café International Limited T/A Lichfield Winter Wonderland is very disappointed to advise that due to unforeseen circumstances the attraction has been forced to close with immediate effect.

“Customers wishing to pursue a refund should follow the link as below, which provides information on the procedure required for initiating a chargeback claim: